U.S. patent application number 15/942048 was filed with the patent office on 2018-10-04 for actuator.
The applicant listed for this patent is Acro Aircraft Seating Limited. Invention is credited to Toby Hugh.
Application Number | 20180281650 15/942048 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 58682429 |
Filed Date | 2018-10-04 |
United States Patent
Application |
20180281650 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Hugh; Toby |
October 4, 2018 |
ACTUATOR
Abstract
Described is an actuator for a recline mechanism. The actuator
comprises (i) a connector for connecting the actuator to an
elongate frame member adjacent to a seat base cushion of an
aircraft seat; (ii) a housing; and (iii) a trigger for pulling a
cable. Also described is an aircraft seat comprising the actuator
and row of said seats.
Inventors: |
Hugh; Toby; (Redhill,
GB) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Acro Aircraft Seating Limited |
Crawley |
|
GB |
|
|
Family ID: |
58682429 |
Appl. No.: |
15/942048 |
Filed: |
March 30, 2018 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B60N 2/22 20130101; G05G
1/04 20130101; B64D 11/064 20141201; F16C 1/18 20130101; F16C 1/10
20130101; B60N 2/919 20180201 |
International
Class: |
B60N 2/90 20060101
B60N002/90; B64D 11/06 20060101 B64D011/06; F16C 1/10 20060101
F16C001/10 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Mar 31, 2017 |
GB |
GB1705188.9 |
Claims
1. An actuator for a recline mechanism, the actuator comprising:
(i) a connector for connecting the actuator to an elongate frame
member adjacent to a seat base cushion of an aircraft seat; (ii) a
housing; and (iii) a trigger for pulling a cable.
2. An actuator according to claim 1, wherein the connector is
removably attached to the housing.
3. An actuator according to claim 1, wherein the position of the
housing relative to the connector is adjustable.
4. An actuator according to claim 1, wherein the connector is
releasable from an elongate frame member of an aircraft seat by a
single releasable lock.
5. An actuator according to claim 1, wherein the housing is shaped
to correspond to the shape of a seat base cushion.
6. An actuator according to claim 1, wherein the outer profile of
the housing is curved.
7. An actuator according to claim 1, wherein the housing has a
curved forward facing surface.
8. An actuator according to claim 1, wherein when viewed from
above, a seat base cushion-facing side of the housing is tapered,
having a larger width at or near a forward-facing edge of the
housing and a smaller width at or near a rear-facing edge of the
housing.
9. An actuator according to claim 1, wherein the housing is shaped
to fit against a shaped profile of a seat base cushion.
10. An actuator according to claim 1, wherein the trigger is a
sliding trigger.
11. An actuator according to claim 1, wherein the trigger is shaped
to follow the contours of the outer surface of the housing.
12. An actuator according to claim 1, wherein the trigger is
slideable forward and/or rearward, for example from a position on
the upper surface of the housing.
13. An actuator according to claim 1, wherein the trigger is a low
profile trigger.
14. An actuator according to claim 1, wherein the width of the
trigger is tapered from a greater width at or near a forward facing
end of the trigger to a lesser width at or near a reward facing end
of the trigger.
15. An actuator according to claim 1, wherein the rotating
member/rotor abuts an abutment surface.
16. An actuator according to claim 15, wherein the abutment surface
is a low friction surface.
17. An actuator according to claim 15, wherein the rotating
member/rotor is biased into abutment with the abutment surface.
18. An actuator according to claim 1, wherein the trigger is
slideable in a first direction to pull a first cable and in a
second direction to pull a second cable.
19. An aircraft seat comprising an actuator according to claim
1.
20. A row of aircraft seats comprising one or more actuators
according to claim 1 and one or more control mechanisms, preferably
one or more recline mechanisms.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is related to and claims the benefit of
Great Britain Patent Application No. 1705188.9, entitled
"Actuator", filed Mar. 31, 2017, the contents of which are
incorporated herein by reference.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Field of the Invention
[0002] The present invention relates to actuators for recline
mechanisms, in particular for those used in aircraft seats.
Description of Related Art
[0003] It is known to provide aircraft seats with recline
mechanisms in order to allow a passenger to recline the seat back
into a more relaxing position. Typically, recline mechanisms
include a hydraulic locking device, also known as a hydraulic lock
or hydraulic seat recline device, such as a Hydrolok.RTM. hydraulic
seat recline device, which is positioned under the seat.
[0004] The hydraulic locking device, which comprises a hydraulic
piston and cylinder assembly, controls movement of the seat back
and is typically connected to an actuator button in the side of the
armrest by a cable. When the button is pressed, the cable is
pulled, which releases the hydraulic locking device and allows
movement of the seat back. Whilst the position of the seat back is
biased toward an upright position, release of the hydraulic locking
device also allows a passenger to recline the seat back. When the
button is released, movement of the hydraulic locking device is
prevented and the seat back remains static in the desired position.
To return the seat back to an upright position, the button is
pressed and the seat back is allowed to straighten to its original
position.
[0005] Whilst recline mechanisms of the type described above have
been in use for many years, they suffer from various problems. One
such problem arises when the cable stretches. Over time, continued
use of the recline mechanism causes the cable to stretch. Due to
the short distance moved by the button, if the cable stretches by
more than about 5 mm, the button becomes ineffective at pulling,
i.e. displacing, the cable a sufficient distant to release the
hydraulic lock. As a result, approximately 10% of reclining
aircraft seats have inoperable recline buttons. This causes further
problems because a passenger will tend to press the button harder
to try and release the hydraulic lock, which will often result in
damage to the button. Accordingly, not only does the cable require
replacement, but the button will also require replacement.
[0006] It is, therefore, an object of the present invention to seek
to alleviate the above identified problems.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0007] According to one aspect of the present invention, there is
provided an actuator for a recline mechanism, the actuator
comprising:--(i) a connector for connecting the actuator to an
elongate frame member adjacent to a seat base cushion of an
aircraft seat;
[0008] (ii) a housing; and
[0009] (iii) a trigger for pulling a cable.
[0010] Remarkably, the present invention provides a significantly
improved actuator for a recline mechanism, which does not suffer
from the problems of known actuators. In this respect, by
positioning the actuator adjacent to a seat base cushion of an
aircraft seat, a much shorter cable is required compared with the
traditional location of the actuator in the arm rest. This means
that, even if the cable does stretch, the increase in overall
length of the cable is much less than for a longer cable. The
present invention also provides ergonomic advantages over known
actuators.
[0011] Preferably, the connector is removably attached to the
housing. This is advantageous because it means that, in the event
the housing is damaged, it can easily be replaced.
[0012] Preferably, the position of the housing relative to the
connector is adjustable.
[0013] Preferably, when the connector is connected to an elongate
frame member of an aircraft seat, the position of the housing along
the elongate frame member is adjustable. The provision of such
lateral adjustment allows the position of the housing to be altered
to accommodate seat base cushions of different sizes or
configurations.
[0014] Preferably, the connector comprises a two-piece clamp.
[0015] Preferably, the connector is releasable from an elongate
frame member of an aircraft seat by a single releasable lock.
[0016] Preferably, the connector is releasable from an elongate
frame member of an aircraft seat via a single bolt.
[0017] Preferably, the housing is shaped to correspond to the shape
of a seat base cushion.
[0018] Preferably, when attached to an elongate frame member of an
aircraft seat, the housing, and preferably also the trigger, does
not protrude above or forward of an adjacent seat base cushion of
the aircraft seat.
[0019] Preferably, when attached to a elongate frame member of an
aircraft seat, the housing is sized such that its upper surface is
lower than the upper surface of an adjacent seat base cushion when
viewed from the side and such that its forward facing surface is
set rearward of the forward facing surface of an adjacent seat base
cushion when viewed from the side.
[0020] Preferably, the outer profile of the housing is curved.
[0021] Preferably, the housing has a curved forward facing
surface.
[0022] The shape and position of the housing relative to an
adjacent seat base cushion is advantageous because it reduces the
risk of false activation of the trigger as a passenger locates
themselves in an aircraft seat.
[0023] Preferably, when viewed from above, a seat base
cushion-facing side of the housing is tapered, having a larger
width at or near a forward-facing edge of the housing and a smaller
width at or near a rear-facing edge of the housing.
[0024] Remarkably, the provision of a tapered housing helps to
prevent forward movement of a seat base cushion when the housing is
placed next to the seat base cushion.
[0025] Preferably, the housing is shaped to fit against a shaped
profile of a seat base cushion.
[0026] Preferably, the trigger is positioned on the housing.
[0027] Preferably, the trigger is a sliding trigger.
[0028] Remarkable, the provision of a sliding trigger, instead of a
push button, means that sliding movement of the trigger can pull
the cable a much greater distance than by pushing a button.
Combined with the location of the actuator much closer to the
recline mechanism, which means a shorter cable is required, the
increased movement of the cable by the actuator means that failure
of the actuator due to cable stretch is significantly reduced, if
not completely prevented.
[0029] Preferably, the trigger is slideable relative to the
housing.
[0030] Preferably, the trigger is slideable along the outer surface
of the housing.
[0031] Preferably, the trigger is shaped to follow the contours of
the outer surface of the housing.
[0032] Preferably, the trigger is curved to follow the contours of
the outer surface of the housing.
[0033] Preferably, the trigger is slideable forward from a position
on the upper surface of the housing.
[0034] Preferably, the trigger is slideable forward from a position
on the upper surface of the housing to a position on the forward
facing surface of the housing.
[0035] Alternatively, or in addition, the trigger is slideable
rearward to or from a position on the upper surface of the
housing.
[0036] Preferably, the trigger is slideable rearward from a
position on the forward facing surface of the housing to a position
on the upper surface of the housing.
[0037] Preferably, the trigger is slideable in a first direction to
pull a first cable and in a second direction to pull a second
cable.
[0038] Preferably, forward movement of the trigger is for pulling a
first cable and rearward movement of the trigger is for pulling a
second cable.
[0039] Preferably, forward movement of the trigger pulls a first
cable and rearward movement of the trigger pulls a second
cable.
[0040] Preferably, the first cable is connectable to a first
control mechanism for controlling movement of a first part of a
seat, preferably a vehicle seat and the second cable is connectable
to a second control mechanism for controlling movement of a second
part of a seat, preferably a vehicle seat.
[0041] Preferably, the first and/or second control mechanism
comprises a hydraulic piston and cylinder assembly.
[0042] Preferably, the first and/or second control mechanism
comprises a recline mechanism.
[0043] Preferably, the first part of a seat comprises a seat back,
a foot rest and/or a leg rest.
[0044] Preferably, the second part of a seat comprises a seat back,
a foot rest and/or a leg rest.
[0045] In particularly preferred embodiment, movement of the
trigger in a first direction controls movement of a seat back and
movement of the trigger in a second direction controls movement of
a leg rest.
[0046] Preferably, the trigger is a low profile trigger.
[0047] Preferably, the trigger comprises a plate.
[0048] Preferably, the trigger comprises a curved plate.
[0049] Preferably, the width of the trigger is tapered from a
greater width at or near a forward facing end of the trigger to a
lesser width at or near a reward facing end of the trigger.
[0050] This is particularly advantageous, because when a grip is
provided towards the forward end of the trigger, the increased
width of the trigger in this area not only provides a larger area
to be gripped by the finger/s of a passenger, but also provides
additional strength.
[0051] Preferably, the trigger comprises a grip.
[0052] Preferably, the grip comprises one or more protrusions.
[0053] Preferably, the grip comprises one or more ridges.
[0054] Preferably, the grip is provided at or near a forward or
rearward end of the trigger.
[0055] Preferably, the grip is provided in or on an upper surface
of the trigger.
[0056] Preferably, the trigger is biased to a non-actuated
position.
[0057] Preferably, the trigger is biased to a rearward or forward
position, for example on an upper surface of the housing.
[0058] Preferably, the trigger is biased by a spring, for example
by a torsion spring.
[0059] Preferably, the trigger is connected to a rotating
member/rotor within the housing.
[0060] Preferably the rotating member/rotor comprises one or more
attachment means for connection to one or more cables of a control
mechanism, preferably a recline mechanism.
[0061] As will be appreciated, when the trigger is moved relating
to the housing, the rotating member rotates and pulls the cable
into the housing. This in turn actuates a recline mechanism
attached to the seat back of the aircraft seat. When the trigger is
released, it returns to an "at rest" position locking the recline
mechanism in position.
[0062] Preferably, the rotating member/rotor abuts an
abutment/location surface. This provides for smooth and predictable
movement of the rotating member/rotor and thus the trigger.
[0063] Preferably, the abutment surface is an O-ring.
[0064] Preferably, the abutment surface is a low friction
surface.
[0065] Preferably, the abutment surface is a silicone abutment
surface, for example a silicone O-ring.
[0066] Preferably, the rotating member/rotor is biased into
abutment with the abutment surface.
[0067] Preferably, the rotating member/rotor is biased into
abutment with the abutment surface by a spring, for example a wave
spring.
[0068] Preferably, the actuator comprises a cable for connection to
a control mechanism, preferably a recline mechanism.
[0069] Preferably, the control mechanism, preferably a recline
mechanism, comprises a hydraulic piston and cylinder assembly.
[0070] Preferably, the control mechanism, preferably a recline
mechanism, comprises a hydraulic locking device, for example a
hydraulic seat recline device, such as a Hydrolok.RTM. hydraulic
seat recline device.
[0071] Preferably, the actuator comprises a cable for connection to
a control mechanism for controlling movement of a part of a seat,
preferably a vehicle seat.
[0072] Preferably, the control mechanism comprises a hydraulic
piston and cylinder assembly.
[0073] Preferably, the part of a seat comprises a seat back, a foot
rest and/or a leg rest.
[0074] According to another aspect of the present invention, there
is provided an aircraft seat comprising an actuator as described
herein and a recline mechanism.
[0075] Preferably, the actuator is positioned adjacent a seat base
cushion of the aircraft seat.
[0076] Preferably, the actuator is positioned on a window side of
the aircraft seat.
[0077] According to another aspect of the present invention, there
is provided a row of aircraft seats comprising one or more
actuators as described herein and one or more recline
mechanisms.
[0078] Preferably, the one or more actuators are positioned
adjacent a seat base cushion of the aircraft seat.
[0079] Preferably, the one or more actuators are positioned on a
window side of the aircraft seat.
[0080] Within this specification embodiments have been described in
a way which enables a clear and concise specification to be
written, but it is intended and will be appreciated that
embodiments may be variously combined or separated without parting
from the invention. For example, it will be appreciated that all
preferred features described herein are applicable to all aspects
of the invention described herein and vice versa.
[0081] It will be appreciated that reference to "one or more"
includes reference to "a plurality".
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0082] Example embodiments of the present invention will now be
described with reference to the accompanying Figures, in
which:--
[0083] FIGS. 1A and 1B show an actuator of the present invention
positioned adjacent an aircraft seat base cushion;
[0084] FIG. 2 shows a view from above the actuator;
[0085] FIG. 3 shows a side view of the actuator;
[0086] FIG. 4 shows an exploded view of the actuator; and
[0087] FIG. 5 shows an internal view of the actuator housing.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0088] The present invention relates to actuators for recline
mechanisms, in particular for those used in aircraft seats.
[0089] With reference to the Figures, an actuator 1 is provided for
a recline mechanism 2 of an aircraft seat 3. In the example shown,
the recline mechanism is a Hydrolok.RTM. hydraulic seat recline
device.
[0090] With particular reference to the Figures, the actuator 1
comprises a connector 4 for connecting the actuator 1 to an
elongate frame member 5 adjacent to a seat base cushion 6 of the
aircraft seat 3. In the example shown, the connector 4 comprises a
two piece 4a, 4b clamp, which is secured to the frame 5 by a single
bolt 7. This, therefore, allows for easy removal of the actuator 1
for maintenance, adjustment or replacement.
[0091] The connected 4 is attached to a housing 8 by bolts 9. The
bolts 9 are moveable within slots 10, thus allowing for adjustment
of the position of the housing along the elongate frame member 5 of
the seat 3. The provision of bolts 9 also means that the housing 8
can be removed from the connector 4 for replacement or repair.
[0092] A trigger 11 is provided on an upper surface of the housing
8 and is slideable in a forward direction (with reference to the
direction of the seat) on the surface of the housing 8, to pull a
cable 12 and thus release the recline mechanism 2 and, therefore,
allow movement of the seat back 13. It is understood that,
reference to "pull" a cable 12, means that the cable 12 is
displaced. Movement of the cable 12 and trigger 11 is shown with
particular reference to FIG. 5 from which it will be seen that the
trigger 11 is connected to a rotating member, or rotor, 14 which is
connected to the cable 12 via an attachment means 24 such that
movement of the trigger 11 causes rotation of the rotating member
14 and pulling of the cable 12. This in turn actuates the recline
mechanism 2. When the trigger 11 is released, it returns to an "at
rest" position locking the recline mechanism 2, and thus the seat
back 13, in position.
[0093] Whilst not specifically shown in the Figures, the trigger 11
can be configured to also pull a second cable (not shown) when the
trigger 11 is moved in a rearward direction (with reference to the
direction of the seat) and thus release a second control mechanism,
for example a hydraulic piston and cylinder assembly, which
controls movement of a second part of a seat, for example movement
of a leg rest.
[0094] Remarkably, the present invention provides a significantly
improved actuator for a recline mechanism, which does not suffer
from the problems of known actuators. In this respect, by
positioning the actuator adjacent to a seat base cushion of an
aircraft seat, a much shorter cable is required than compared with
the traditional location of the actuator in the arm rest. For
example, when provided in an arm rest, the cable is usually about
100 cm in length, whilst the actuator of the present invention
allows for a much shorter cable, for example of about 40 to 60 cm
in length. This means that, even if the cable does stretch, the
increase in overall length of the cable is much less than for a
longer cable.
[0095] In addition, the provision of a sliding trigger 11, instead
of a push button, means that sliding movement of the trigger 11 can
pull/displace the cable 12 a much greater distance than by pushing
a button. Combined with the location of the actuator much closer to
the recline mechanism 2, which means a shorter cable is required,
the increased movement of the cable 12 by the actuator is such that
failure of the actuator due to cable stretch is significantly
reduced, if not completely prevented.
[0096] As shown in FIG. 3, the housing 8 is curved to correspond to
the shape of the seat base cushion 6. In addition, when viewed from
the side, the housing 8 is sized such that its upper surface 15 is
lower than the upper surface 15' of an adjacent seat base cushion 6
and such that its forward facing surface 16 is set rearward of the
forward facing surface 16' of the adjacent seat base cushion.
[0097] The shape and position of the housing 8 relative to the seat
base cushion 6 is advantageous because it reduces the risk of false
activation of the trigger 11 as a passenger locates themselves in
the aircraft seat 3.
[0098] With reference to FIG. 2, when viewed from above, a seat
base cushion-facing side 17 of the housing 8 is tapered from a
larger width at or near a forward facing edge 16 of the housing 8
to a smaller width at or near a rear facing edge 18 of the housing
8. The provision of a tapered housing 8 helps to prevent forward
movement of a seat base cushion 6 when the housing 8 is placed next
to the seat base cushion 6. It will also be seen that the housing 8
is shaped to fit against a shaped profile of a seat base cushion 6.
In the example shown, the shaped profile is created by a truncated
corner of the seat base cushion 6.
[0099] In the example shown, the trigger 11 is a curved plate,
which follows the contours of the outer surface of the housing 8
and is slideable forward from a position on the upper surface 15 of
the housing to a position on the forward facing surface 16 of the
housing. Whilst the trigger is slideable in a forward direction in
the example shown, it will be appreciated that the trigger could be
slideable in a rearward direction in other examples. It will
further be appreciated that the trigger could be configured such
that it is slideable in either a forward or rearward direction.
[0100] With particular reference to FIG. 2 the width of the trigger
11 is tapered from a greater width at or near a forward facing end
19 of the trigger to a lesser width at or near a rearward facing
end 20 of the trigger 11. Referring to FIG. 3, a grip 21, in the
form of a series of ridges 22, is provided towards the forward end
19 of the trigger 11. Accordingly, the increased width of the
trigger 11 in this area not only provides a larger area to be
gripped by the finger/s of a passenger, but also provides
additional strength.
[0101] In the example shown, the trigger 11 is biased to a
non-actuated, rearward position by a torsion spring 23.
[0102] As shown in FIG. 4, the rotating member 14 abuts a silicone
O-ring 26 and is biased into abutment therewith by a wave spring
25. This provides for smooth and predictable movement of the
rotating member 14 and thus also the trigger 11.
[0103] In order to minimise the risk of accidental actuation of the
trigger 11, the actuator 1 is positioned on a window side of each
aircraft seat 3.
[0104] It should be understood that various changes and
modifications to the presently preferred embodiments described
herein will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Such changes
and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit and
scope of the present invention and without diminishing its
attendant advantages. It is therefore intended that such changes
and modifications are covered by the appended claims.
* * * * *